UCAS end of cycle report 2013

Commenting on the UCAS end of cycle report Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group, said:

“We have seen an increase in the numbers of students from disadvantaged backgrounds being admitted - in particular to those universities which demand higher grades - but there is still more progress to be made.

“We work hard to tackle the access gap but the main reason pupils from disadvantaged background are less likely to go to leading universities is because they are not achieving the right grades in the right subjects. It is also the case that some very bright students are not encouraged to apply for leading universities.

“Going to a good university remains a sound investment for the vast majority. On average Russell Group male graduates earn 16% more and female graduates 9% more.

“This report shows that applications to university are beginning to settle down and revert to patterns seen before fees were increased in England. This return to stability is good news for students and universities alike.

“Despite the predictions of the doom-mongers we know that fees do not deter poorer students when they are combined with loans and a progressive repayment system.”

Note to Editors

The percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds being admitted to higher tariff universities has gone up by 11% and the percentage eligible for Free School Meals being admitted to higher tariff universities has gone up by 22%. There have also been increases in the percentages of students being admitted from all minority ethnic backgrounds.